Rahul Dravid to replace Kumar Sangakkara as Rajasthan Royals head coach ahead of IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals (RR) and former India head coach Rahul Dravid are all set for the grand reunion ahead of the upcoming IPL 2025, all thanks to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara.

Reports claimed that the ECB is seriously considering Sangakkara, Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach and director of cricket, for the role of their white-ball coach after Matthew Mott stepped down from the position with immediate effect last month.

Rajasthan Royals and Rahul Dravid set for big reunion as ECB eyes Kumar Sangakkara for coaching role

If Sangakkara joins the England cricket team as their white-ball head coach, the RR is ready to bring back their former captain and coach Dravid at the helm ahead of the next edition of the IPL 2025.

According to Cricbuzz, Dravid's return to the RR team is almost confirmed, as he is the top candidate to step into the role, helped by Sangakkara if the former Sri Lanka captain takes over as England’s white-ball coach.

Meanwhile, Sangakkara recently addressed speculation surrounding his potential appointment as England's white-ball coach. The Sri Lankan legend revealed that the ECB has not yet approached him, but he did not dismiss the possibility of taking up the job entirely.

ECB has not yet approached me: Sangakkara

Despite the rumors of him joining the England team, Sangakkara expressed contentment with his current role at the RR, where he has enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding experience over the past four years. It is being said that Sangakkara shares a strong relationship with Rob Key, the managing director of the England men's cricket team.

Additionally, the former Sri Lanka captain also developed a good relationship with England captain Jos Buttler at the RR, and it could play a crucial role in the ECB's decision-making.

Sangakkara was quoted as saying by the English media: “Well, I know my name has been mentioned for some reason, but there has not been any approach as such. I think the England white-ball job is an exciting prospect for anyone, but there are so many good candidates out there. I am very happy at the moment. The Rajasthan Royals experience has been very fulfilling, and it has been a job I have really enjoyed over the last four years.”

"There will be an interview process": ECB

Meanwhile, the ECB said that the selection process for a new baseball coach has not yet begun following Mott’s departure as the white-ball coach. An ECB official confirmed that there will be an interview process to select the new white-ball head coach, but there is not any shortlist yet.

An ECB official revealed: “There will be an interview process at some point, but there is no shortlist as of now.” Notably, Marcus Trescothick was appointed interim coach for England’s white-ball teams by the ECB last week for the upcoming limited-overs series against Australia.

England and Australia will play three T20Is and five ODIs from September 11. The Ben Stokes-led England team is currently preparing to face Sri Lanka in a three-match Test series at home.